The transition from preschool into kindergarten can affect students’ engagement and performance in early grades, but relatively few states address it in their education policies, finds a new study by the Education Commission of the States.
Six states refer to early transitions in laws, and 14 states and the District of Columbia include early transitions in regulations.
The report concludes that state policymakers could create a “seamless pathway” through 3rd grade by aligning standards, curricula, instruction, and assessments between preschool and kindergarten programs and provide supports to smooth the transition for parents and children.